Take a journey through eight centuries of brewing heritage. From our first recorded mention in 1270 to our modern bottling facility today, Privatbrauerei Hirt unites time-honored tradition with new inspiration — creating beers defined by unmistakable character.
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1270
Our story begins with a single line in the cathedral chapter register: “Item taberna in Hurde solvit talentum unum.” With this historic entry, Privatbrauerei Hirt writes its first chapter and sets the foundation for over 755 years of brewing tradition.
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Since 1493
An unbroken record of ownership spanning more than five centuries proves it: Privatbrauerei Hirt has remained in the same family without interruption.
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1846
When our ancestor Jakob Mayer purchased the Hirt estate for 26,000 guilders, he laid the cornerstone of a family tradition that continues to this day.
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1926-1937
Our brew kettles are running at full speed: producing 2,700 to 5,000 hl of beer, we become Carinthia’s sixth-largest brewery and delight beer lovers far beyond the region.
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1959
When Nelly Möller and her eight-year-old daughter, Astrid Matchett-Krenn, took over the brewery, they began a new chapter marked by innovation and international growth. Guided by Astrid Matchett-Krenn’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision, the brewery expanded its portfolio from just three beers to fifteen distinct varieties.
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1981
When the beer cartel dissolved, 58,600 hectoliters of Hirter beer were finally free to flow across Austria. Market by market, sip by sip, it found new admirers — soon becoming a favorite in Vienna.
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2008
Together with seven fellow family-run independent breweries, we established CulturBrauer — a powerful alliance committed to independent brewing craft, true regional roots, and uncompromising quality.
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Since 2012
Dr. Klaus Möller and Niki Riegler lead our traditional brewery in the fifth and sixth generations, bringing creative marketing momentum and new beer specialties.
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2015
The Hirter Bierathek opens its doors: across 300 square meters, one of Austria’s largest brewery shops presents an impressive variety of beers alongside carefully selected regional delicacies.
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2018
Through our partnership with Weinagentur Jordan, we broaden our world of enjoyment to include carefully curated wine expertise.
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2021
Together with nine other private breweries, we found the Association of Independent Private Breweries—a strong commitment to independence and a vibrant diversity of beer in Austria.
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2023
With the construction of our new storage and logistics hall, the first phase of a €22 million investment begins—strengthening us sustainably for the decades ahead.
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2025
The second phase of our €22 million investment includes a state-of-the-art bottling, washing and packaging line that moves up to 30,000 bottles per hour and takes our production into a new era.
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2025
Our private brewery celebrates its 755th anniversary with a new design and the same great taste—ready to write the next chapters with renewed strength.
Because
tradition
has a future
Sustainably into
the future
As a family-run private brewery, we think in generations. That’s why we rely on regional partners, energy-efficient processes and environmentally friendly brewing methods—for beer enjoyment with a future.